International launch of new short films on interfaith understanding produced by partners in Indonesia

There is growing concern over extremist voices and actions showing that hostility against the ‘religious others’ have worsened in different parts of the world. But there are also many positive examples of people of faith who demonstrate a different way of life by embracing inclusivity and dialogue.  

The goal of these interfaith short films from Indonesia is to showcase positive stories and realistic struggles from the grass roots, aiming to serve as lived examples and promote healthy interfaith relations.  

• Can such short documentary films contribute to inter-faith understanding and co-existence?   
• How can such films be used in education for inclusive citizenship?  

These are the main questions addressed at the film launch. The event includes the first online screening of four new short films produced by local organizations in Indonesia, brief interviews with directors and youth representatives and a panel discussion.

Speakers:

• Risdo Simangunsong, Interfaith Activist, (Jakatarub) Indonesia
• Fernando Sihotang, Human Rights and Advocacy Coordinator, National Committee of the Lutheran World Federation, Indonesia
• Dr. Ingvill Thorson Plesner, Researcher and Project Manager, Norwegian Center for Holocaust and Minority Studies (HL-senteret), Inclusive Citizenship Project
• Samrawit Gougsa, Communications Officer at Minority Rights Group International, United Kingdom
• Putu Eka Guna Yasa, Director of BASAbali Wiki, Indonesia

Moderator:

• Rev. Dr. Sivin Kit, Program Executive for Public Theology and Interreligious Relations, The Lutheran World Federation, Switzerland

Organizers:

• The Lutheran World Federation
• Norwegian Center for Holocaust and Minority Studies (HL-senteret) /Inclusive Citizenship Project 
• Minority Rights Group International

Living Together Interfaith Short Film Launch

Online Registration 

Languages: English with Bahasa Indonesia simultaneous interpretation

* The international film launch is organized as a part of a project on freedom of religion or belief and inter-faith understanding. The project is funded by NORAD (Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation). 

Engaging local and national faith-based actors in crisis response

CAFOD, Christian Aid, ACT Alliance, Tearfund, Islamic Relief Worldwide and the Lutheran World Federation have come together to organize this event on the eve of the Grand Bargain Annual Meeting. The even aims to discuss the important role of local and national faith-based actors in crisis response, to hear of existing good practices and to identify ways to strengthen this engagement.

Recent years have brought momentum amongst donors and UN coordination actors in identifying more targeted ways to engage and support specific sections of local civil society in humanitarian action. Across coordination, funding and partnership efforts, both donors and humanitarian agencies are translating their policy commitment to engaging different categories of civil society into a more practical and predictable approach. Yet, although good and promising practices on engaging national and local faith-based organizations (FBOs) exists across different agencies and various contexts, it is not yet systematically shared.

Over the past year, the global COVID-19 pandemic brought once again a recognition of the role of faith actors, and some innovations at a practical level. Yet evaluations and reflections with local FBO partners also point to numerous gaps and challenges. This webinar will take stock of efforts to date and reflect on ways forward; based on insights from national and local FBO partners, UN agencies and donors. A keynote address will also be shared by Archbishop Buti Joseph Tlhagale, O.M.I. of Johannesburg, South Africa.

Organizers:

• CAFOD
• The Lutheran World Federation
• Christian Aid
• ACT Alliance
• Tearfund
• Islamic Relief Worldwide

Registration

Language: English

NIFEA Webinar on “Zacchaeus Tax: A Reparatory Tax System for a Just and Sustainable Recovery”

The global tax system offers a powerful tool to respond to the socio-economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and to repair systemic challenges, such as widening inequality and climate change. Ahead of a crucial G20 International Taxation Symposium, the webinar will discuss how proposals from social movements for tax justice and reparations – as called for in the ecumenical Zacchaeus Tax campaign – can help us achieve a just and sustainable recovery from the pandemic. 

Provisional program:

• Opening and introduction: Rev Dr Gordon Cowans (moderator) 
• "How and why is tax justice critical for a just and sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic?":  Dr Manuel (Butch) Montes 
• "What are the models and practices for a reparatory global tax system and what could it deliver?":  Dr Priya Lukka 
• "What does recovery and reparation look like?":  Ms Adetola Onamade and Ms Marina Tricks (TBC) 
• "Introduction to ZacTax toolkit and how can we, as churches, advocate for the ZacTax proposals?":  Rev Philip Peacock and Dr Justin Thacker 
• Q&A moderated by Dr Gordon Cowans 
• Closing remarks: Mr Gorden Simango 

Moderator:

• Rev Dr Gordon Cowans is moderator of the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, principal at Knox Community College, and a member of the Ecumenical Panel on a NIFEA. 

Speakers:

• Dr Manuel (Butch) Montes is senior advisor at Society for International Development and a member of the Ecumenical Panel on a NIFEA. Previously he worked with the South Centre, the United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs and the East-West Centre. 
• Dr Priya Lukka is an international development economist and visiting research fellow at the Goldsmiths University in London. Previously she worked with ChristianAid in the UK. 
• Ms Adetola Onamade and Ms Marina Tricks are students involved in anti-racism, decolonial and climate justice movements. Together with another young person, they are suing the UK Government for failing to honour climate obligations under the Paris Agreement. 
• Rev Philip Peacock is executive secretary for justice and mission at the WCRC and formerly Associate Professor in the Department of Theology, Ethics and Social Analysis at Bishop’s College in India. 
• Dr Justin Thacker is a theologian and medical doctor and currently coordinates the UK-based Church Action for Tax Justice. 

Organizers:

• World Council of Churches
• World Communion of Reformed Churches
• Lutheran World Federation
• World Methodist Council
• Council for World Mission

Registration

Languages: English

Scholarships for Theology and Diakonia/Development

Every year, around 90 new Lutheran World Federation scholarships are awarded in the fields of theology and diakonia. The aim is to equip individuals with knowledge, skills and confidence in order to strengthen the churches’ capacities for holistic mission and prepare the next generation of leaders in the Lutheran communion.  

The scholarships are therefore a means of empowering churches for sustainable growth and development within the churches and in the wider community. 

Only candidates who fulfill the following criteria are eligible to apply for an LWF scholarship:

• Church affiliation of the candidate: Only applications from active members of LWF member churches are considered. No applications submitted by individuals will be considered.
• Nationality of the candidate: Only candidates from developing countries are eligible for scholarships in fields of diakonia/development. The theological scholarships are open to candidates from all regions and countries.
• Age limits: The following age limits are in place, depending on the pursued degree and with certain exceptions, particularly for female applicants*:
  
  

  Degree	Maximum age at the time of application*
  Bachelor degrees	35
  Master degrees	40
  Doctorate	45
  Post-doctoral/research	50
  *Special considerations: For candidates who are church employees at the time of application, these age limits may be exceeded upon special request. Relatively higher consideration is made for female candidates who exceed the age limits due to social and cultural factors which cause them to pursue studies later.

How to apply: The LWF scholarship application process will be completed online, through the LWF Scholarship portal. The link to the online portal will be sent to each member church by email. 

Languages: English, French, German, Spanish 

Opening: 1 August 2021

Deadline:  15 October 2021

Related Materials

General information about LWF Scholarships

2022 LWF scholarships’ application phase is now open

The LWF opens the Ecumenical Season of Creation with an online global prayer

This year’s Season of Creation theme is "A Home for All? Renewing the oikos of God". Oikos is a Greek word for the Earth community. It is an invitation to be united in our human vocation to reshape just and sustainable political, social and economic systems that respect the life-giving ecological limits of the Earth. This year’s ecumenical prayer centers the voices of Indigenous Christians, and is led by leaders and representatives from the global ecumenical family.

The ecumenical Season of Creation lasts from 1 September (Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation) until 4 October (Feast day of St. Francis). This is an invitation to engage in a month of prayer, symbolic acts and campaigns to give thanks for creation and renew our human vocation to care for it.

Season of Creation 2021 Celebration Guide

Theology Unit issues a call for papers and creative submissions for upcoming Study Series volume

The exercise of power is a common feature of life in families, societies and the Church. The use of power sustains just relationships or creates injustice. The next volume of the LWF Study Series will explore this rich topic of theological and social scientific significance.

We seek contributors from diverse sectors who will form part of this Study Series, engaging with the question of power in different ways, possibly including: Gender, Public Policy, Interfaith Relations, Eco-theological, Leadership, Ecclesiology, Patriarchy, Partnerships and Social Healing, Resilience, Peace Studies, etc.

In addition to theological or social scientific essays, this call seeks creative submissions that reflect on power through visual arts, poetry, stories, case studies, Bible studies, etc.

An abstract summary of your paper or creative submission should be 800-1000 words. The deadline for submitting abstracts is 30 September, 2021.

 

How to apply:  Proposals should be submitted to: [email protected] Submissions should include the subject heading “Study Series Call: On Power”.

Languages: English

Opening: 1 August 2021

Deadline:  30 September 2021

Related Materials

LWF Study Series on Power: Call for papers - Now open

Every year, the LWF awards scholarships for students and church workers in different fields of theology. The goal is to strengthen the capacity of member churches as they carry out their mission.

The meeting will gather LWF scholars in theology and provide a space where scholarship holders can be connected and mutually empowered as members of the global Lutheran communion. The new platform opens possibilities for deeper interaction and encourages students to support each other and learn from the mutual sharing of resources and experiences.

Zoom meeting

How do we address the contradictions between modern society’s obsession with limitless economic growth and the ecological limits of our unique planetary home? Are there models of good life that meet the needs of all people, sharing wealth and power, whilst nurturing the environment? What resources do we have and what strategies can we employ as faith communities to empower a just and sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a transition from a growth-oriented, extractivist economic paradigm to a life-affirming economy where all of God’s creation can flourish?

The NIFEA E-conference takes the 6th Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change as a vital backdrop for reflection and discussions. It seeks to develop a short ecumenical message directed to the G20 Leaders’ Summit taking place in Rome from 30-31 October 2021 on the theme of “People, Planet and Prosperity”.

Session 1, 10:00 - 12:00

Moderator:

• Dr Rogate Mshana, moderator (Tanzania, Oikotree)

Speakers:

• Lemaima Jennifer Vai’i (Fiji, Pacific Conference of Churches)
• Dr George Zachariah (India and New Zealand, Trinity College)
• Dr Martin Kopp (France, Federation of Protestant Churches in France)
• Prof. Lalrindiki Ralte (India, Aizawl Theological College)
• Rosario Guzman (Philippines, Ibon Foundation)

Summary of the discussion:

• Rev. Dr Peter Cruchley (CWM), Rev Dr Sivin Kit (LWF), Rev Philip Peacock (WCRC), Athena Peralta (WCC), and Bishop Rosemarie Wenner (WMC)

Session 2, 14:00 - 16:00

Moderator:

• Rev. Dr Gordon Cowans, moderator (Jamaica, Ecumenical Panel on a NIFEA)

Speakers:

• Rev. Chebon Kernell (USA, Native American Comprehensive Plan, United Methodist Church
• Dr Arnie Saiki (USA-Hawaii, Imipono Projects)
• Dr Fundiswa Kobo (South Africa, University of South Africa)
• Dr Priya Lukka (UK, Goldsmith University)
• Rev. Rozemarijn van't Einde (Netherlands, De Klimaatwakers)

Summary of the discussion:

• Rev Dr Peter Cruchley (CWM), Rev Dr Sivin Kit (LWF), Rev Philip Peacock (WCRC), Athena Peralta (WCC), and Bishop Rosemarie Wenner (WMC)

Interpretation into Spanish will be available for this session.

Organizers:

• World Council of Churches
• World Communion of Reformed Churches
• The Lutheran World Federation
• World Methodist Council
• Council for World Mission

Registration for Session 1

Registration for Session 2

This event launches the open access public theology resources aimed at equipping member churches for engagement for the common good

The lecture series in the open-access resource revolves around the topic of public theology and is the result of cooperation between the Berlin Institute for Public Theology in Germany, the Beyers Naudé Center for Public Theology in South Africa, and the Lutheran World Federation. It brings together leading experts from all over the world delivering lectures on different aspects of public theology.

Recorded during the Covid-19 pandemic in various contexts, each lecture contains a presentation (both in video and audio formats) with accompanying slides, additional study material and supplementary reading. The lecture series was first offered to graduate students in Berlin and Stellenbosch; the series is part of the Lutheran World Federation learning modules, but is also designed to benefit all students in areas where study material and travel are difficult due to lack of funds or opportunities.  

Welcome and Moderator:

• Rev Dr Sivin Kit, Program Executive for Public Theology and Interreligious Relations, the Lutheran World Federation

Keynote Address

• Rev Dr Martin Junge, General Secretary, the Lutheran World Federation

Opening Remarks

• Rev Philip Peacock, Acting General Secretary for Programmes World Communion of Reformed Churches 
• Prof. Dr Simone Sinn, Academic Dean of the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, World Council of Churches

Introducing the Open-Access Resources

• Prof. Dr Torsten Meireis, Director, Berlin Institute of Public Theology, Humboldt University

Short Video Presentation 

Conversation with Contributors

• PD Dr Frederike van Oorschot, Director of Department of Religion, Law & Culture, Forschungsstäte der Evangelischen Studiengemeinschaft (FESt), Heidelberg University
• Prof. Dr Rothney Tshaka, Director of the School of Humanities in the College of Human Sciences at the University of South Africa
• Rev. Dr Seferosa Carroll, Program Executive for Mission and Mission from the Margins, World Council of Churches

Closing Remarks

Prof. Dr Dion Forster, Director of the Beyers Naudé Center for Public Theology, Stellenbosch University

Registration on Zoom

What does being Lutheran mean in your context? What difference does it make?  

The global ‘Coming Together’ online meeting will bring together LWF scholars in theology, providing a space for mutual sharing and learning. “Being Lutheran,” the theme for the upcoming gathering, invites scholars to explore the creative diversity of our one faith and expand understanding of what it means to be Lutheran.   

Each year, the LWF grants an average of 45 new scholarships in the field of theology.  The aim is to equip individuals with knowledge, skills and confidence in order to strengthen the churches’ capacities for holistic mission and prepare the next generation of leaders in the Lutheran communion. New scholarships for 2023 will be awarded in December 2021.